Man sells daughter to pay gambling debts

A British father who has sold his 15-year-old daughter for £15,000 to pay off his gambling debts is being investigated by police.

The girl, who lives in Bradford, contacted West Yorkshire Police three weeks ago to tell them that she had been sold and was to be sent abroad to be married to her new "owner".

Her husband-to-be, an older man who was a family friend, would then become eligible to apply to become a British citizen in 12 months' time.

Police have declined to comment on the case, although it is understood that they have so far been unable to discover any offence.

Ann Cryer, the Labour MP for Keighley, who has campaigned against forced marriages, demanded last night that the law be changed to protect the girl, and others, from such sales.

"There is no doubt this girl is in grave danger," Mrs Cryer said. "Her father has committed himself to this deal which would see her married against her will to a man in Bangladesh.

"The girl is absolutely petrified. I am terrified the family will put her on a plane within the next few days."

Mrs Cryer said that she was revealing details of the case to highlight the problem of forced marriages. Legislation to outlaw such practices was essential, she said.

She added that it was not uncommon for British families to sell girls to husbands on the Asian subcontinent. "I am not trying to single out any particular community, but what should I do when I am being approached on an almost daily basis by young girls and women who are in fear of their lives and desperate for help?"

It is not a crime to accept money for a daughter's or son's hand in marriage.

It is understood that the girl, who is still living in her family home, is hoping to be placed in the care of the social services. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police declined to comment, although detectives acknowledged that the girl had contacted them.